Safety wringer control for washing machines



June 23, 1925. 1,543,106

W. K. HOWE SAFETY WRINGER CONTROL FOR WASHING MACHINES Filed Nov. 12, 1919 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG].

1 'ITORNE Y.

June 23, 1925.

W. K. HOWE SAFETY WRINOER CONTROL FOR WASHING MACHINES 1919 3 Sheets-Sheet Filed Nov. 12

g VEN OR.

' AT/ORNEY.

June 23, 1925.

W. K. H OWE SAFETY WRINGER CONTROL FOR WASHING MACHINES Filed Nov, 12. 19 19 3 Sheets-Sheet 3' W%N?TJT R16;

,/ ATTORNEY.

Patented June 23, 1925.

' UNiTEosTA'r s. PATENT oFFicE wmrzmor x. Howa or ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS,

2110 THE a. a. s. raonucrs, rim, or comma; NEW

YORK.

YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW SAF T 'wnmam ooNTBoL. Fort WASHING MACHINES.

Application and November 12,1919. Serial o. 337,526.

Toall'wkom it mag concern: i Be it'known that I,W'INTHRoeK. HOWE, a citizen of the United States,and resident of the: city of'Roche ster, inthe county of 5 Monroe and-Stateof New York, have inventedanew and useful Improvement for Safety \Vringer Controls for Washing Ma-i chines, of which:'the following jis a specifi-' cation. This invention relates to'combined power operated washing machines'iand' wringers, and more particularly'to' an improved safety i control for the wringer.

--In"washing machines of thetype now 'commonl used, the wringer' is'running all of the time while clothes are being wrung out. Many serious accidentsjhavefoccurredwith such iwringers. -Frequently, thefingers or I handof the operator arecaught and drawn -g iinto the wringer rolls; and sometimes the .operatorshair has-ibeen caught while she' has been sto'op'in'g down to get clothes for the next wringing. Also,it is found that power operated wringers are very destructive to clothes, particularly in breaking or tearing ofif buttons". This'is largely due to the fact that the operator,. after getting a garment started in the -wringer, has little chance to arrange itto prote'ct the buttons or fix the buttons so that they will be fed into the wringer rolls properly. Power operated wring'ers are commonly provided with a handle for starting, stopping and reversing the wringer'rolls, and also, generally a safety tension release device; but these devices are ordinarily very awkward to reach, require the use of a hand, and in practice are rarely used because of the resultant inconvenience and delay. Moreover, in case 0 the operator is unexpectedly caught in the wringer, it is practically impossible to stop the wringer rolls or release their tension quick enough to'avoid serious injury; and

besides, as a general rule, when such an accident occurs, the operator is panic-stricken and may not think of reaching for those handles which are used so rarely.

In my improved wringer control I pro- 53 pose to have the wringer rolls normally stationary and provide some means, preferably a treadle, which the operator can easily and conveniently use to start the rolls and keep them going while a garment is being wrung to be'c'aught by the rolls.

out, the rolls being instantly stopped when the operator lets up the treadle. Thus, in accordancewith my invention, the wringer rolls do not move until the operator is ready, with'the result that, except in the case of extreme carelessness, the operators hands and hair, orthe like, are out of the way, and the garment to'be wrung hasbeen put in position v Furthermore, the wringerrolls automatically stop as soon as the treadleis released, this stopping movement, beingfrequently and regularly used,

becomes an automatic or subconscious act, so to" speak, and soinething which the average person'would instinctively do if an accident should occur. Finally, the operator has completecontrol over the wringer rolls and is ableto avoid tearing of clothes and the ripping off of buttons.

Other detail features and advantages of my improvements will appear as the description ofrthe invention progresses, and the novel features of the invention will be particularly. pointed out in the appended claims.

' In describing the invention in detail, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views, and in which:

Figure 1 shows in elevation one side of a washing machine, with iny improvement applied thereto, certain -.parts being broken away or shown partially in section for clearncss;

F ig, 2 is a detail view showing the clutch for starting and stopping the wringer rolls;

Fig. 3 shows in enlarged section a modified construction of the clutch for stopping and starting the wringer rolls;

Fig. 4 is a transverse section of the washing machine taken substantially on the line 4-4 in Fig. 1, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows, and showing among which is preferably employed when the washing machine is used in connection with two stationary washtubs; and

Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate a modified construetion employing a portable foot control device.

Referring to Fig. 1, the washing machine to which my invention is applied, and which by itself forms no part of my present invention, comprises in general a main supporting frame, consisting of four legs 1 and a number of cross bars 2 to give rigidity to the frame; a metallic tank or tub A,

preferably constructed of galvanized metal or copper, supported within said frame; a drum or cylinder (not shown) for holding the clothes to be cleansed and rotatably mounted within said tub; a load shaft 3 adapted to be shifted into and out of operative connection with said drum by a handle 4; and operating mechanism suitably enclosed, preferably in a unitary casing C fastened at three points to the frame. An electric motor M of any suitable type is operatively connected by an insulated friction clutch connection to a high speed worm 5 which meshes with a worm gear 6 secured to the lower end of a vertical main drive shaft 7. This drive shaft 7 is hollow and carries, near its middle, a low speed worm 8 which meshes with a worm gear 9 journaled on a stud mounted in the back of the mechanism casing C. A pitman or connecting rod 10 carries a fixed pin 11 at one end which is journaled in an eccentric hole in the low speed worm gear 8, and is pivotally connected at its opposite end to one of the arms of a gear sector 12. This gear sector 12 is journaled on a pin 12 fixed in the back wall of the mechanism case C, and meshes with a pinion 13 secured to the load shaft 3; and when power is applied to the motor, the gearsector 12 is rocked up and down and rotates the pinion 13 and the load shaft 3 through substantially a complete revolution first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

The wringer used in connection with the washing machine may be any suitable usual power-operated type. I have shown a wringer having the quick-acting tension release; and although this is not essential when my improved wringer control is used, as will be hereinafter explained, it is neverthelcss useful for releasing the rolls when the clothes become bunched while wringing. The wringer 1V is mounted on a laterally extending arm 14 of a wringer support 3 which is mounted on a vertical tubular extension 15 integral with the mechanism casing C, so that the wringer may be swung horizontally to a plurality of different wringing positions. A plunger 16 looks the wringer support S against movement in each of these severalpositions. The usual tion,,- comprises two reversing gearing, by means of which the wringer rolls can be rotated in either direco posing bevel-gears 17-18 loosely journaled o n a wringer drive shaft 19 coupled to one of the wringer rolls. This shaft 19 is journaled at its ends in bearings formed in a housing 20 forming an integral part of the wringer support S. These bevel-gears 1718 are constantly in mesh with a bevel-pinion 21 secured by a pin to the upper end of a vertically disposed stub shaft 22 which extends downwardly through the wringer support S and within a supporting tube 23 which is threaded into sai wringer-support. The wringer drive shaft 19 carries a clutch member 24 which is splined to a sleeve secured by pins to said shaft, and which can be shifted by a handle 25 into operative relation with either of the bevel-gears 17 or 18 to drive the wringer shaft in either direction.

Referring now to the parts constituting the present invention, (see Figs. 1 and 2) the stub shaft 22 hereinbefore mentioned, is provided at its lower end with clutch teeth 26 and a downwardly extending guiding spindle 27-of smaller diameter than the shaft. which fits loosely into an axial recess in a clutch member 28, this spindle serving to keep the two clutch parts in alignment. The clutch member 28 is also provided at its lower end with a similar spindle 29 which fits loosely in the upper end of the main hollow drive shaft 7. A transverse pin 30 in the lower end of said spindle 29 fits loosely in elongated vertical slots 31 in the upper. end of the main drive shaft 7.

Extending lengthwise of the main drive shaft is a plunger rod 32 having an enlarged'head at its upper end confined between the spindle 29 and a sleeve 33 pinned thereto, so as to constitute a swivel connection between said rod and the clutch member 28. The rod 32 projects at its lower end through a stuffing box 34 in the bottom cap of the worm gear housing; and a jaw 35 is fastened to the lower end of said rod. A compression spring 36 between the jaw 35 and the cap of the worm gear housing gives a downward bias to the-rod 32 and tends to keep the clutch member 28 disengaged from the stub shaft 22. The jaw 35 is pivotally connected to one end of av rocking lever 37 which is fulcrumed near its middle in a block 38 bolted to a cross plate 39 attached to the main frame of the machine, (see Fig; 4). The other end of the rocking lever 37 is pivotally connected to a short rod 40 which in turn is connected to a treadle T.

The treadle T-,as best shown in Fig. 5. comprises an open frame 41. shaped to conform to the outline of the machine. and four cross members 42. which are fastened to ea h side of the frame 41 and are threaded into a center piece 43, the short rod 40, above mentioned, being adjustably connected to this center piece 43. The frame 41 is preferably made up of two pieces of tubing bent into the desired shape, and having their ends overlapped and fastened together by bolts 44 where two of the cross members 42 are connected. The corners of the frame 41 36. The treadle T is preferably located near are guided in downwardly opening slots 1n corner blocks 46, secured to the legs 1 by screws or other means, (see Figs. 1 and 5).

Thus, the frame of the ,treadle is suspended from its middle and is held up by the spring the floor so that it may be depressed by merely rocking the foot.

The operat1on in my improved wringer control will be readily apparent, and need only be briefly explained. While the motor is running, the drive shaft 7 and the clutch member 28 are constantly rotating; but the spring'36 keeps this clutch members 28 out of engagement with the stub shaft 22, so that the wringer rollsare stationary. To start'the'wringer, the operator presses down on one side -of the treadle T. This pulls. down on the short rod 40, the treadle acting as 'a leverwith its fulcrumat the corner blocks 46 opposite tothat where the pressure is applied; The lever 37 is rocked, and the plunger rod 32 moved up against the opposition of'the spring 36, to bring the clutch teeth on said member and the shaft 22 into engagement, thereby rotating the stub shaft 22, and through the gears 21-'17, or 2118,

'as the case'may be, turning the wringer rolls in one direction or the other, depending upon the setting of the handle 25. To stop the wringer, the operator merely releases the treadle T, whereupon the sprin 36, aided by the weight of the clutch mem ers 28 and the rod 32. returns the partsto the normal position. Pressure may be applied to any part of the frame 41 of'the treadle at any side or corner of the machine, the fulcrum point being correspondingly shifted to the opposite corner block or blocks 46. The handle 25 is used merely to select the direction of rotation of the wringer rolls, although. if desired, it also may be used to stop the rolls.

Instead of the toothed clutch shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a friction clutch, such as shown in Fig. 3, may be employed. This gives the operator more complete control over the wringer, allowing her to start and stop it, and run it fast or slow. In this modified construction, the stub shaft 22 terminates at its lower end in a squared and tapered portion fitting into a counterpart recess in a boss 47 of a cylindrical clutch casing 48. This detachable connection permits the wringer support S, together with the stub shaft 22, to be removed from the machine, whenever desired. The clutch In a similar way, the plates 50 have tongues fitting in slots 53 cut in the upper end of the main drive shaft 7, so that these plates 50 turn with said drive shaft. A follower 54 rests on the upper end of the rod 32 and has arms 55 extending out through the slots 53 underneath the lowest plate 49. A reinforcing cap 56 is preferably put on the upper end of the main shaft to prevent splitting or spreading of its slotted end. The operation of this friction clutch will be evident. When the rod 32 is moved upward by a depression of the treadle, as previously explained, the follower 54 compresses the plates 49 and 50 and the friction washers 51, thereby transmitting rotation from the maindrive shaft 7 to the stub shaft 22. By varying the pressure upon the .treadle T, this-clutch ma be slipped to any extent desired, so as to rive the wringer rolls fast or slow. On account of the flexibility of the operators,.control over the wringer rolls, afforded by a friction clutch of the typedescribed, the niaiimum running speed of the rollers may be increased, thereby shortening the wringing operation.

Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, when the washing machine is used with the two stationary washtubs, as 60 and 61, commonly found in modern houses, the machine is usually placed in front of one of the tubs, as 60, in the position shown in Fig. 6; and when it is desired to wring clothes from rinsing or blueing water in the tub 61 into a basket 62, the wringer is swung to the position shown in Fig. 6. lVhile feeding the wringer in this position the operator ordinarily finds it mmt convenient to stand over by the end of the tub 61; and standingin this position, it is practically impossible for her to reach the main treadle D under the machine. In order to avoid the necessity of moving the machine, when it is desired to perform the wringing operation illustrated in Fig. 6. 1 preferably employ an auxiliary treadle D. This auxiliary treadle D is fulorumed near its middle point on a portable block 63. and is provided at one end with a socket ()4 adapted to fit over the jaw 35 on the lower end of the clutch operating rod The. other end of the auxiliary treadle D is shapedto form a foot plate 65, and in order to keep the socket 64 normally in engagement with the jaw 35, this outer end of the treadle l) is preferably made heavier. The trcadle D is extended underneath the tub 61 as shown in Fig. 6, and when the foot piece 65 is de ressed, the clutch operating rod 32 is raise to start the wrin er rolls in the same way aspreviously described. This operator in convenient position. Fig. 8 also .shows a modified form of clutch construc tion, which is operated by a'downward pull upon the rod 32, rather than a upward push as in thecase of Figs. 1 and-3. Referring'to Fig. 8, thelower end portionof the wringer operating shaft 22 is lnade square or triangular 1n cross section and has a detachable and sliding fit with a similar shaped socket 66 in an upper clutch member 67. The lower clutch'member 68 is provided with lugs 69 which fit in slots 70 in the upper end of-the main drive shaft 7, so that said lower clutch member turns with said driveshaft. These upper and lower clutch members 67 and 68 are provided with clutch teeth 71 in the'usual' way. A compression spring 72, having its ends in re cesses in the clutch members 67 and 68, keeps these members normally separated. The clutch operating rod 32 extends lengthwise through the clutch members 67 and 68, and its enlarged head bears against the bottom of the socket 66. When the rod 32 is pulled down, clutch members 67 and 68 are drawn together, and when released, the spring: 72 forces them apart.

The foot control device E comprises a boxlike portable stand 73 with an enlarged base 74. An angle lever 75 is pivotally mounted on a pin 76 supported in the sides of the stand 73, said lever being provided with a foot plate 77. A flexible conduit or tube 78 formed of coiled wire or the like, is fastened at one end to a packing nut 79 in the lower cap of the casing for the worm gear 6, and

at its other end to a boss 80 integral with the stand 73. The ends of the conduit 78 may be screwedinto the nut 79 and the boss 80. as shown, or may be clamped or otherwise fastened therein. A flexible wire 81 inside of the conduit 78 is clamped at one end into the slotted lower end of the operating rod 32 by a nut 82, and is fastened at its other end to the short arm of the angle lever 75. A detachable cover 83 is provided on the stand 73 to facilitate the connection of the wire 8] to the lever 75 The ends of the conduit 78 being anchored to the machine and the stand 73, respectively, when the foot plate 77 is depressed, the wire 81 is pulled, thereby drawing down on the rod 32 and engaging used instead of the clutch jy t'e treadle; urthermore,

the clutch members 6768; and when the foot plate 77 is released, the spring 72 disengages said clutch members. This action occurs regardless of the position of the stand 73 with respect to the machine. This port able foot control devicemay be used with or without the treadle T under the machine, such as shown in Fig. 1; and also, a friction clutch, such as' shown in Fig. 3, may be members 6768, shown in Fig. 8.

Regarding the distinctive advantages-of my improved wringer control, it will .be noted thatthe wringerrolls, stationary, cannot accidentally. injure the operator. When the operator is readyand desires to start the wr1nger,'-she may do so by simply pressing down on the treadle T. This is a simple and convenient movement whichmay be done while on any side of. the

'machine, and which leaves the operators hands free to manipulate the clothes as they are beingfdrawn into the wrin er. 1 If the operator sees the clothes tang ing up or bunchmg, or buttons going betweenthe rolls sidewiseji'slie may {instantly stop the 'wringer releasing the pressure on the if it should happen that the operator gets her hands or hair caught inthe wringer she instinctively releases the"trea dle and stops the wringer, since such action will have become automatic by regular and constant .use. My improvement, therefore, has two im ortant s'afetycharacteristics first the possibility of the'operator gettin caught in the wringer is eliminated large except where the operator is thoughtless or careless, and second, even if such accident should occur, the dangerous results are minimized because the wringer is uickly stopped automatically as the result 0 an instinctive movement on the part of the operator.

These safety characteristics are obtained by the simple and effective arrangement and construction of parts, which is so arranged that the safety wringer control may be applied to the machine or left off, as desired, without material modification in the construction of the regular operating 'mechanism for the washing machine; When the safety wringer control is left off. it is only necessary to chan e the construction of the stub shaft 22 so t lat it will make a detachable driving connection directly with the main drive shaft 7.

My improved wringer control is also constructed so that it will operate on the safe side in case of such breakage or injury as may occur in practical use. If the treadle, or-any part of its connection to the clutch up to the rod 32, should break, the clutch .will still be diconnnected and the device opbeing normally have shown the spring 36 for disengaging the clutch applied to the lower end of the rod 32 it is evident that a similar spring, by a simple and obvious rearrangement of parts, could be applied directly to the two clutch elements.

Although I have particularly described I the construction of one physical embodiment of my invention, and explained the operation and princ ple thereof; nevertheless, I

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

I said foot controlled member as 1t 1s operated and re eased automatically rendering said driving means active and inactive respectively.

In a combined power operated Wsshing machine and wringer, the combination with for said driving means including an operating member, and treadle means adjacent the sides of the machine suspended wholly from said operating member for operating said controlling means.

WINTHROP K. HOWE. 

